They say you can't go back again, but you can. This year it was our turn to spend Easter in Fresno. My fond memories of my childhood keep motivating me to get Annie and her second cousins together. When they were smaller it was hard to tell if we had that "magic" but I can tell you that after watching all the kids run and scream for the eggs it was just like it was 30 years ago and I was the 3 year old.
We had Erin, Cameron, Collin, Baby Ethan (like 2 weeks old!) Corey, Ashley, Maddy, Brody, Jeff, Laura, Cheryl, Dennis, Richard, Nicole, Harrison and Grant over for Brunch and it was so much fun! Seeing the boys hide the eggs reminded me of peeking out the window with my cousin Matthew trying to see where the Dads were hiding the eggs. Adam has some video he is editing that we will post soon.
We hope everyone had a relaxed comfortable Easter Weekend full of family wherever they were! We definitely missed Grams and our family in the Desert (Happy Birthday Gavin!) but we will see them next year for Easter for their turn. Happy Easter!
Upon arrival Annie found a bowl of Jellybeans. It's location was short lived.
My Mom made a beautiful brunch with the help of all of us for the sides. Everything was delicious!
Grammy's homemade carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Delish!
I have to say the yard looked particularly fabulous this year. I was telling Adam that it was amazing to me that when we built this house 20 years ago it was just a plot of dried up dirt. Every plant in the ground was put there by my parents and the yard feels like it is a park now. These are the things you start to notice as a homeowner. To achieve a similar affect Adam and I only have to landscape the equivalent of their side yard. I find this to be comical, sad, and a huge relief all at once.
These bunnies sit in waiting 364 days of the year for their big day. This weekend was it. The big show. They got our their best pink bow-ties just for the occasion. Annie was very appreciative that they were gentleman and color coordinated with her outfit. She knows it takes a strong man to wear pink (her Gramps taught her that).
Spending time with her Grammy was so much fun! Annie never leaves her side which is a huge bonus to me, but I am sure exhausting for my Mom. Annie did well on the trip but anytime it was time to go to bed or take a nap she decided it was time to "go to her house." Waking up at 5am this morning was not terrific for us.
Annie meeting Baby Ethan. He is about 2 weeks old and as cute as a button. I tell you, never in my life have I met a Mom as cool with babies as Erin. "This kid? Yeah, hes like 13 days old and I am at a party, and yeah thats my 2 year old, he is potty trained and sleeps in a big boy bed, and talks up a storm"-- no sweat.
The kids playing in the sand.
Annie and her Gramps.
Hiding the eggs. It was part hiding for Maddy and part tossing them in the wide open space for the little ones.
One. Two. Three. GO!!!! It was a bit of a slower start as they figured out what to do. I would say these kids are not ready to enter the Amazing Race.
Everytime Annie picked up an egg she would shake it to make sure it had goodies in it. It took her about 5 seconds to realize that the ones that didn't rattle weren't worthy of her basket.
Even though this shot is a bit overexposed, I love it.
Annie is very into anything that resembles a baby animal. Chicks, kittens, puppies, cows, you name it, she loves it.
Love. Simply love.
Whatever Ethan was doing here was amazing.
Annie and Maddy look like they are about to have words about whose baby chick that is. Brody is just having a good time. "Chillout ladies" Collin is thinking that all women are nuts, and, he would be mostly right.
Annie loves the piano at my parent's house. It plays itself which is a huge bonus. She danced and danced around the entry way on her tippy toes doing her ballet arms. This kid might have a shot at not being the worst kid in her dance class. Those are my hopes, that she is not the worst one. I am aiming high if my genetics are at all at play.
Could this picture break your heart? Thought so. And the kicker? Collin is really just that sweet.
Wow, that was a long day. I am going to kick back in my toddler sized lazyboy. You don't have one? Bummer for you. I am thinking I am going to design a full line of toddler sized furniture to market to over zealous grandparents. Toddler sized China Cabinets sound like a real money maker to me.
The Easter Bunny came to Grammy and Gramp's house. He left huge purple footprints that led to Annie's treats. Once Mommy took a look at them she realized the bunny had extremely large uneven sized feet and a very large stride. If general bodily ratios hold true I would say the Bunny himself is about 8 foot 3 with a limp. Who knew?
Can you say spoiled only child? Mommy's gigantic basket was as a result of a shopping spree resulting from massive Mommy guilt when Daddy went back to work. I grabbed everything pastel, fluffy, or coated with sugar that I even walked past in the mall. I have no idea what Grammy's excuse was.
Wow yes, these baskets look interesting. And the treasures they hold might be fun, but I would like to go find more 10 cent empty plastic eggs please.
Annie couldn't decide if she wanted ears, or a crown. So she chose both. Fabulous.
Happy Easter!
